Apple Mosaic Virus


Apple mosaic virus. Apple Mosaic Virus Symptoms

Apple mosaic virus.
Apple Mosaic Virus Symptoms

HOSTS

  • Apple

DESCRIPTION

Apple mosaic virus is spread only by grafting of diseased scion (buds, twigs, or roots) onto healthy stock. As such, it is not very common, and can easily be prevented. Infected trees are slow growing and produce low fruit yields. Leaves develop a distinctive, random pattern of chlorotic (yellow) tissue.

BIOLOGY

Apple mosaic virus is an uncommon and easily prevented disease that is spread by grafting of diseased scion (buds, twigs, or roots). It is the most wide-spread virus of the apple. It infects all kinds of apple in commerce.

DISEASE CYCLE

The virus is localized in leaf and shoot tissue, and does not spread by either insects or pollen.

SYMPTOMS

  • Slow tree growth and low fruit yields
  • Distinctive, random pattern of chlorosis (yellowing) on leaves

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Plant virus-free varieties, and use virus-free grafting scion. Diseased trees do not need to be removed, but should not be used as a source for scion material.

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